Good nutrition plays a very important part in helping couples conceive, and can even make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful IVF outcome.

In my new book, The IVF Diet Book, I share why it’s so important to eat well. You should aim to include two or three portions of oily fish in your diet each week, so this week i’m going to show you an easy way to cram more oily fish into your diet with my tasty snack recipe, Mackerel Paté.

Mackerel is a fantastic source of omega-3 fats which are known to lower inflammation, improve sperm quality and the health of eggs and follicles.

This pate will keep in the fridge for three to four days, so if you make a little extra, store it away for the next day.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Serves 4:

Ingredients

2 hot smoked mackerel fillets

100g cream cheese

100g creme fraiche or Greek yoghurt

1 tsp freshly grated horseradish

2 tsp lemon juice

1 tsp fresh dill, finely chopped

Black pepper

Step one: Skin the mackerel fillets. Flake half of the fish into a food processor with the cream cheese, creme fraiche, horseradish and whizz until smooth.

Step two: Season with black pepper and lemon juice to taste, the fold through the dill and the remaining fish.

Step three: Place in a bowl, cover and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up slightly before serving.

Welcome to the Zita West Blog

My approach to fertility, IVF and pregnancy has always been an holistic one. I believe that the best way to conceive is to start by looking at five key areas in your life - medical, nutrition, relationship, mindset and lifestyle.

I'm hoping to offer you many insights in these areas for you in this fertility blog and I'd love your input! What are your questions about fertility, conception and pregnancy?